Athens prepares massive security operation for EuroLeague Final Four 2026

Measures regarding order, security, and traffic ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four Athens 2026, which will take place on May 22 and 24 at the OAKA stadium, were presented today at a press conference at the Ministry of Citizen Protection.

During the briefing, the spokesperson of the Hellenic Police, Police Lieutenant Konstantia Dimoglidou, emphasized that the security plan is based on prevention, full segregation of fans, timely information, rapid operational response, and unified coordination of all involved agencies, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

She also stressed that the safe conduct of the event is a “non-negotiable priority,” making clear that there will be “zero tolerance for violence, unlawful behavior, incidents, or attempts to violate security measures.”

On his part, the General Regional Police Director of Attica, Major General Athanasios Kampras, presented the detailed operational plan of the Hellenic Police, which includes the deployment of approximately 4,000 officers across all relevant areas, including sports facilities, fan gathering points, public transport stations, and major road networks in the Athens metropolitan area.

He added that technical surveillance and control systems will be used, while there will be continuous perimeter monitoring of the venues and real-time operational awareness of fan movement and gathering points.

In addition, an integrated Operations Center will function at OAKA throughout the event, under the coordination of the Security Operations Center (SOC), with liaison officers from all relevant agencies. The goal is continuous monitoring, immediate information exchange, and rapid, effective incident management.

Fan movement

Special emphasis has been placed on the full separation of fans by team. Organized transportation will take place exclusively from designated gathering points and along specific routes under strict police escort.

Olympiacos fans will gather at the “Faliro” ISAP station, Fenerbahçe fans at the “Thiseio” station, while Real Madrid and Valencia fans will gather at the Panathenaic Stadium. From these points, organized and controlled transport will take place to OAKA.

Strict adherence to scheduled arrival and departure times is essential to ensure proper implementation of the security plan and to avoid crowding or unwanted interactions between different fan groups.

Olympiacos fans must arrive at Faliro station from 13:00, with trains departing at 15:00. Fenerbahçe fans must be at Thiseio from 12:00, with departures around 14:00. Special train services will operate exclusively for fan transport and will not stop at intermediate stations.

Real Madrid and Valencia fans will gather at the Panathenaic Stadium from 14:00. Bus departures are scheduled for 16:00 for Real Madrid fans and 15:45 for Valencia fans.

Authorities stressed that unauthorized movement of organized fan groups outside the designated procedures will not be permitted, and any escorting, approaching, or obstruction of team delegations will be strictly prohibited.

Ban on gatherings and motorcades

By decision of the Athens Police Directorate, from 06:00 on May 21 until 06:00 on May 25, public gatherings and motorcades are prohibited in central Athens within a defined perimeter. The order is published on official government platforms and the police website.

Access to OAKA

Fans must arrive early and carry valid identification and tickets. Entry gates will open in time, with separate access lanes for fans, VIPs, delegations, media, and people with disabilities.

Three security zones will operate around the venue, with multiple layers of checks including ticket verification, identity confirmation, electronic cross-checks, physical searches, and inspection of personal belongings.

Only original ID cards or passports will be accepted, and details must match ticket information. A mismatch will result in denied entry.

After screening, fans will receive a security wristband, and random checks will continue within the venue. Individuals without valid tickets or accreditation will be removed immediately.

A strict no re-entry policy will apply.

Vehicles without the required EuroLeague QR accreditation will not be allowed to approach the perimeter of OAKA.

Fan Zone

A Fan Zone will operate at Zappeion on May 21–22 from 11:00 to 23:00 and on May 24 from 11:00 to 20:00. Entry will require pre-booking, with a maximum capacity of 1,500 people at any time and real-time monitoring to prevent overcrowding.

Traffic measures

From May 22 to May 24, temporary traffic restrictions will be implemented around OAKA, SUNEL Arena (for EuroLeague NextGen games), team hotels, and major roads across Athens.

Measures include parking and stopping bans, road closures along team routes, and increased traffic police presence on key intersections such as Kifisias Avenue, Mesogeion Avenue, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Attiki Odos, and others.

Authorities urge citizens to use public transport and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.

Officials concluded that cooperation from all parties is essential to ensure the tournament takes place in conditions of full safety, order, and normality, protecting athletes, fans, and the public.

Photo EuroLeague